Don’t panic, follow protocols

The numbers are really frightening, and reports of friends and family testing positive for COVID, whether Omicron or whatever variant, are coming fast and furious. Entire families infected, offices running on less than half of their staff because of suspect and confirmed cases… It’s enough to paralyze one with fear.

I for one have become some sort of hypochondriac, with every cough and sniffle a possible sign of COVID. I’m constantly feeling my forehead and neck for indications of fever but am afraid to actually take my temperature in case it really shows a fever! Biogesic (no wonder there was a supply shortage!) and Lola Remedios have taken the place of peanuts and potato chips on my bedside table.

While the situation is indeed serious, panic isn’t going to help – not me, not my family, not my community, not the government, not the economy. We cannot all isolate, that’s for sure. There are those who cannot work from home and have to physically go to work; what are we to do?

The answer is – do what we have been told to do all along: wear a mask (or, better yet, double mask), keep a safe distance away from other people (so that if someone coughs or sneezes you’re not near enough to get the droplets), avoid crowds and unnecessary gatherings of people (surely no partying in bars!), wash or sanitize your hands often, avoid touching your nose, mouth and eyes…and get vaccinated! For those already vaxxed, get that booster shot please.

These are very basic and simple things we can do to protect ourselves. They may not be enough to totally keep us safe from the virus, but they give each of us a fighting chance against this nasty little virus that seems determined to beat us down.

Don’t let the virus – and fear, and fake news that stokes fear – win. We can fight back! – W. Santos-Taylor, Parañaque City